Melanocortin Peptide Fragment / α-MSH C-Terminal Tripeptide
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) Research Peptide
KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, corresponding to the C-terminal three amino acids (residues 11–13) of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Despite its small size — a molecular weight of just 342 Da — KPV has been studied for its interaction with melanocortin receptors and its profile in preclinical inflammatory research models, particularly in the gastrointestinal context.
Compound identity
- Name
- KPV
- Class
- Melanocortin Peptide Fragment / α-MSH C-Terminal Tripeptide
- CAS number
- 69558-55-0
- Molecular formula
- C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄
- Also known as
- Lys-Pro-Val, α-MSH C-Terminal Tripeptide, KPV peptide
- Sequence
- Lys-Pro-Val (3 residues; C-terminal α-MSH tripeptide; MW 342.44 Da)
Research context
α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a 13-amino acid neuropeptide derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) with a conserved C-terminal tripeptide sequence Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂ (KPV). CAS 69558-55-0 refers to the unmodified free acid form of the KPV tripeptide (MW 342.44 Da, C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄). Structure-activity relationship studies of α-MSH identified that the C-terminal tripeptide retains some capacity for MC1R interaction, though with substantially reduced affinity compared to full-length α-MSH or longer C-terminal fragments. The KPV sequence sits within the pharmacophore region of α-MSH alongside the core His-Phe-Arg-Trp tetrapeptide that dominates melanocortin receptor binding.
Research interest in KPV has centered on its profile in intestinal and inflammatory contexts. Studies by Bhattacharyya et al. and colleagues at Emory University and related labs investigated KPV's effects in murine colitis models, proposing that the peptide modulates colonic epithelial cell responses through mechanisms that may involve MC1R expressed on intestinal epithelium and immune cells, as well as potentially MC1R-independent pathways. The peptide's small size (able to cross mucosal barriers more readily than larger peptides) and stability characteristics have attracted interest from researchers studying gastrointestinal inflammation biology. Additional research has examined KPV in keratinocyte and macrophage contexts.
As a research reagent, KPV is used in melanocortin receptor pharmacology at the MC1R level, intestinal epithelial cell biology, and studies of C-terminal α-MSH fragment bioactivity. DMV Research supplies KPV as a lyophilized peptide with per-batch Certificate of Analysis confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity ≥99% by HPLC.
Frequently asked questions
What is KPV?+
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val, CAS 69558-55-0) is a tripeptide corresponding to the C-terminal three amino acids (residues 11–13) of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is studied for its interaction with MC1R and its profile in preclinical inflammatory models, particularly murine models of intestinal inflammation. Despite its small size (MW 342 Da), it retains partial melanocortin receptor recognition derived from the α-MSH C-terminal pharmacophore region.
How does KPV differ from α-MSH and Melanotan II?+
α-MSH is the full 13-amino acid endogenous peptide (Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂) from which KPV derives its sequence. KPV represents only the C-terminal 3 residues and has significantly lower melanocortin receptor affinity than intact α-MSH. Melanotan II (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic 7-mer α-MSH analog engineered for high-affinity, metabolically stable MC1R/MC3R/MC4R binding. KPV, α-MSH, and MT-2 represent three different points on the spectrum from minimal C-terminal fragment to potent synthetic analog, all studied for overlapping but distinct aspects of melanocortin biology.
What is the relationship between KPV and inflammation research?+
Preclinical research — notably work from the Bhattacharyya lab and related groups — has examined KPV in murine models of intestinal inflammation (colitis models). These studies proposed that KPV modulates intestinal epithelial and immune cell responses through mechanisms that may involve MC1R expressed on colonic epithelium and immune cells. The peptide's small size allows for mucosal-penetration dynamics distinct from larger peptides. This research remains preclinical; KPV is used as a research tool in gastrointestinal and inflammatory biology.
Is KPV approved for human use?+
No. KPV is not approved by the FDA or any regulatory body for human use. As supplied by DMV Research, it is a research peptide for in-vitro and pre-clinical laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption.
Research use only
All products are intended for laboratory and research use only (RUO) and are not for human consumption, ingestion, or any in-vivo use.
The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. KPV is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is provided for laboratory research reference only.